MASH BILL: Undisclosed but it is known to be a high rye mash bill AGE: 16 years; 11 years in barrel #1 and 5 years in barrel #2 YEAR: 2017 PROOF: 94 (47% ABV) NOSE: Caramel | Vanilla | Baking Spice | Toasted Sugar | Candy TASTE: Caramel | Baking Spices | Buttery Toffee | Hint of Caramelized sugar FINISH: Full, robust flavor with a smooth coating on the tongue. The dry finish is strong with a brilliant and complex spice that is more sweet than peppery. The Kentucky Hug is warm but not burning. SHARE WITH: Share this one with bourbon drinkers who enjoy a rich flavor profile and appreciate all the nuances of an older bourbon. I will say that for a 16-year-old bourbon the expected heavier oak presence is happily missing. BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: As one who generally stays away from bourbon in this price range, I would not hesitate to pull the trigger if the opportunity arises. Furthermore, it is a bottle that I would proudly display on my antique bar. OVERALL: With a Straight Kentucky Bourbon label and a 16 year age statement the latest release from Jeffersons is sourced from one of Kentuckys bigger, established distilleries. The first Presidential release in several years, this is an 11-year bourbon aged in #3 charred barrels then dumped for a second barreling, again in #3 charred barrels, to mature for another five years. Personally, I have always been lukewarm on Jeffersons bourbon line-up; some I thought were great, and some were ho-hum. I know they have done some interesting and different things to help set themselves apart from standard offerings I would just like a little more transparency. However, after sampling Jeffersons Presidential 16 Twin Oak, I must say that I found the juice to be very solid; so much so, that I may have to go back and try other expressions with a different mindset. - Matt Evans